BMW Is Relaunching the 8 Series. Can We Get a Hallelujah?

Here's what we know about the ‘genuine dream car’

By Evan Bleier

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11 May 2017

It cost BMW nearly $1 billion to develop the 8 Series, the first Bimmer with a V12 paired to a six-speed transmission. They then unveiled the car — to a thunderous reception — at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

That was in 1989. Ten years later, production on the 8 Series was halted after only 31,000 models had come off the line.

In addition to the online announcement, BMW CEO Harold Kruger spoke about the upcoming relaunch at a shareholder's meeting in Munich and indicated the revamped 8 Series will debut in the flesh at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in Italy later this month, Motor Trend reported.

“The BMW 8 Series Coupe will build on our tradition of luxurious sports coupes and add a genuine dream car to our line-up — a slice of pure automotive fascination,” said Krüger. “The 8 Series Coupe will underpin our claim to leadership in the luxury segment. I can tell you today that this will be a true luxury sports coupe.” It will replace the 6 Series, which BMW quietly pulled from production earlier this year.

According to a number of automotive outlets, the new 8 Series model will be a V8-powered two-seater that will launch late next year for $165k, with a V12 edition and a convertible to follow.

When we have something other than tweets and rumors to go on, you’ll be the first to know.